Washington Woman Sentenced for Father’s Murder
A woman in Washington state received a nearly 30-year prison sentence for the murder of her father, a case prosecutors argued involved extensive planning.
Alyssa Bradburn, 33, was sentenced to 340 months by the Spokane County Superior Court on April 2 after a jury found her guilty of first-degree murder with a firearm enhancement for the 2024 death of her father, Timothy Bradburn.
This sentence follows about a month after the jury’s verdict.
During the trial, prosecutors noted that Bradburn often appeared unemotional—sitting quietly and occasionally smiling. She expressed that she “enjoyed” the trial but acknowledged she deserved punishment. “I killed Tim Bradburn. I’m guilty,” she stated during the proceedings, seemingly at ease. “I’m not scared anymore. I don’t care how much time I go to prison.”
According to court documents and statements from prosecutors, Bradburn called 911 on June 25, 2024, to report that she had shot her father when he returned home from a trip to Hawaii. She informed dispatchers that his body was on the porch, saying she would wait outside for the police.
Investigators reported that Timothy was ambushed while attempting to enter their home with luggage in hand. Bradburn claimed she shot him three times—twice in the chest and once in the head—to ensure he was dead. An autopsy later confirmed four gunshot wounds.
Prosecutors argued that the murder was premeditated. Bradburn had prepared for weeks, practicing with a gun in her home and getting assistance with loading it at a shooting range. She even kept a diary detailing her plans leading up to the incident. “The evidence…showed a very detailed plan,” said Deputy Prosecutor Emily Sullivan.
Initially, Bradburn alleged that her father had been abusive and claimed self-defense, but she later changed her story.
During sentencing, her brother, Trace Bradburn, spoke about the profound impact of losing their father. “My father was everything to me,” he said, denying that he had tarnished his father’s memory. He added, “His memory has been deeply tarnished by the false charges leveled against him. My father was a wonderful man and would never do anything to hurt anyone.”
Prosecutors had sought a harsher sentence of 320 months plus a 60-month enhancement due to the nature of the crime and meticulous premeditation. Meanwhile, Bradburn’s attorney requested leniency, referencing her lack of a prior criminal record and mental health issues affecting her perception of reality.
Ultimately, Judge Julie McKay issued a medium sentence of 340 months, comprised of 280 months plus the 60-month firearm enhancement. “Unfortunately, the crime with which Mr. Bradburn began his criminal career is one of the most serious offenses we have ever dealt with,” McKay stated during sentencing.
In addition to prison time, Bradburn will face 36 months of community supervision, be required to pay restitution regarding her father’s death, and will be permanently prohibited from contacting her brother.
The judge acknowledged the irreversible impact on the family, expressing that no judgement could alleviate their loss.
No comment was given by Bradburn’s lawyers on the sentence or her demeanor in court. Attempts to reach out to the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office for additional comments went unanswered.
